In vitro biological activity and total phenolic content of Morus nigra seeds

The present study was designed to investigate pheno lic content, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Morus nigra seeds. Extracts were prepared by soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and double distilled water as solvent in increasing order of p olarity. The highest extractive yield was obtained in aqueous extract. Each extract was subjected to undergo phyt ochemical screening by standard protocol. Phytochem ical screening revealed the presence of numerous bioacti ve secondary metabolites in seeds. Total phenolic c ontent was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Ethanol extra ct contain highest phenolic content which was found to be 7.44 mg GAE/100 g dw. Antidiabetic activity was evaluate d by α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitory assay while antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant po tential (FRAP) method. Ethanol extract demonstrated promine nt α- amylase (IC 50 = 679.50 µg ml -1 ), α- glucosidase (IC 50 = 327.90 µg ml -1 ), DPPH radical scavenging (IC 50 = 211.00 µg ml -1 ) and FRAP activity (278.64 µM/ml, FRAP value 0.779). The study provides a scientific proof for M orus nigra seeds regarding their traditional therap eutic application. Seeds can be used to treat diabetes an d its associated secondary complications that arise due to oxidative stress.